Today, Thursday 10th September 2026, is World Suicide Prevention Day.

Each year, we come together across the world to raise awareness about suicide, encouraging difficult conversations in the hopes of breaking stigmas and promoting suicide prevention.

It is completely understandable that for many people, this is an incredibly difficult topic to talk or read about, but at the same time, it is so important that we do so. Through this, we can support people experiencing suicidal thoughts and remind them they are not alone.

Understanding Suicide

This is the act of intentionally taking your own life and usually involves having thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you. Or it can even involve thinking about methods of suicide or making clear plans to take your own life. Experiencing this can be a very scary, challenging time for someone.

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone, and there are many reasons as to why someone may be feeling this way. Such as isolation, discrimination, financial and employment issues, trauma, struggling to adjust to new life changes, and relationships ending. These are just a few of the many possibilities that could be causing someone to feel this way, and its important to remember everyone’s experience is different.

Here are some statistics from Mind…

• 1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts.
• 1 in 15 people attempt suicide.
• Suicide remains the biggest cause of death in men aged 25-45.

Experiencing these suicidal thoughts can feel frightening and isolating.

So what can we do?

A big part of working towards suicide prevention is recognising the signs that someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. Whilst not everyone will show the same behaviours, you may notice them:

• Giving away personal possessions
• Neglecting personal care
• Changes in eating habits
• Self-harm
• Difficulty making plans for the future
• Expressions of negativity towards themselves or a general sense of hopelessness

If you notice someone showing signs of this behaviour, it might be worth checking in with them in a safe, judgement-free environment. This can be quite a scary prospect and you may be worried about how to respond in the correct way, so we’ve put together a short list of things you can say and do that may help.

• Making sure to acknowledge their feelings, this shows that you are listening to what they are saying and not dismissing it.
• Try to encourage them to talk more through open questions, avoiding yes/no questions.
• Encourage professional support
• Reassure them that they are not alone.
• Stay with them until help or next steps are arranged.

It is so important to remember to approach with empathy and not judgement.

At Burton & District Mind, we are Here for you & Here for Everyone

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please remember there is help available…

Get Help Now | Burton & District Mind

Safe Haven Crisis Café – open 7 days a week

Email: info@burtonmind.co.uk

Call: 01283 566696